Read Psalm 129

On our pilgrimage through this life there is an issue faced by every pilgrim, an issue that for some seems impossible to overcome.  The Psalmist in vs.1-2 refers to afflictions he has had since his childhood.  We refer to them as lifelong oppressions.  These are issues that date back to our childhood.  They may involve some traumatic experience, some debilitating handicap, or something about the way we were raised. 

The assumption often expressed is that for the pilgrim to successfully complete his journey he must heal his memories.  There are a myriad of therapy solutions offered, some quite strange, but others seeming to have occasional success. 

This Pilgrim Song addresses this issue with a refreshing, though challenging viewpoint.

These oppressions are real, according to vs.1-2.  Israel as a nation had suffered much from the hostility of others beginning with the Egyptian bondage out of which the nation was born.  All through her history Israel suffered miserably at the hands of Canaanites, Ammonites, Edomites, Philistines, Aramaeans, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Moabites, and others.  The pilgrim recognizes that the simple fact of having parents who were themselves imperfect means that he will have things in his background that must be overcome.  Add to that the inevitable traumatic experience (an abusive parent, a rape, belittling by a teacher, coach or fellow-student, a physical or social abnormality, etc.) and most people have little trouble thinking of something that has afflicted them from their youth.

Further, these oppressions are of fearful proportions.  They have gone on for a long time (from my youth).  They have been recurring (many times, v2).  And they are truly grievous, like someone dragging a plow over one's back (v3).  Don't think otherwise: the Lord we desire to know Himself knows our lifelong oppressions.  Are you aware of this type of thing in your life?

Pay attention to v2.  The pilgrim is aware of his affliction.  But he is not obsessed with it, or with some need to go back and correct the past.  When he remembers his lifelong oppression he is overcome by one thought: yet they have not prevailed against me.  If we are going to complete our journey to God we must understand this: the concern is not about changing the past, but living in the present.  And the present truth that cannot be denied is simply this: no matter how devastating these afflictions, I am still here, I am still on the journey.  They have not prevailed!